U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attended the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 23, 2025. During this event, controversy ensued when an escalator they were about to step onto unexpectedly halted. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt demanded accountability, fueling discussions about the administration’s ongoing tensions with the UN.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) Escalator Incident Sparks Controversy |
| 2) Background on Trump’s Renovation Proposal |
| 3) Trump’s Critique of the UN |
| 4) Reaction and Response from Officials |
| 5) Summary of Trump’s Address |
Escalator Incident Sparks Controversy
During the recent UNGA session, an escalator malfunction occurred just as President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump approached it. Karoline Leavitt, the White House Press Secretary, expressed outrage on social media, suggesting that if the stoppage was intentional, those responsible should face immediate dismissal and investigation. The incident has raised questions about the atmosphere within the UN and the treatment of the President during official visits. Reports from a British publication indicated that UN staff had joked about turning off the escalators and elevators to mark Trump’s arrival, which might have contributed to the ire expressed by Leavitt.
Background on Trump’s Renovation Proposal
The escalator incident is not the first time President Trump has interacted with the UN’s infrastructure. In 2005, he proposed to manage renovations of the UN headquarters but was ultimately denied. During his speech at the UNGA, he took the opportunity to reminisce about that proposal, suggesting that he could have delivered superior renovations at a lower cost compared to what the UN ultimately undertook. Trump’s anecdote about planning to provide luxurious features like marble floors and mahogany walls underscored his long-standing frustration with the UN’s operational decisions.
Trump’s Critique of the UN
In his address to world leaders, President Trump delivered a scathing critique of the United Nations. He argued that the organization relies on “empty words” that fail to translate into meaningful action. Reiterating his commitment to improving global governance, he shared his belief that the UN has “tremendous potential” that it is not fully realizing. Trump’s remarks reflected his frustration with what he considers a lack of effective action on critical global issues like immigration and climate change.
Reaction and Response from Officials
Following the escalator incident, a UN official clarified that a team member traveling with Trump had inadvertently activated the stop mechanism on the escalator. This revelation shifted some blame away from the UN’s personnel. Despite this clarification, the administration indicated an ongoing commitment to holding accountable anyone found culpable. The incident unfolded against a backdrop of strained relations between the Trump administration and various UN entities, particularly after Trump’s decision to withdraw from multiple UN bodies.
Summary of Trump’s Address
President Trump‘s speech at the UNGA lasted nearly an hour and was marked by sharp criticisms of the global organization’s efficiency. He lamented that while member countries engage in verbose resolutions, they often lack actionable follow-through. Such criticisms were not new; Trump has consistently voiced dissatisfaction with the UN’s operations, particularly concerning immigration policies and climate change initiatives. He urged members to recognize his predictive abilities and trust his vision for future policies, asserting that he was “really good at predicting things.”
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | The escalator incident involving President Trump raised questions about UN staff conduct. |
| 2 | Trump’s past renovation proposal for the UN was rehashed during his speech. |
| 3 | He criticized the UN for lack of meaningful action on global issues. |
| 4 | A UN official clarified the escalator stoppage was accidental. |
| 5 | The atmosphere surrounding UN-GA remains strained due to Trump’s policies and statements. |
Summary
The incident involving President Donald Trump at the UNGA highlights ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and the UN. By addressing past grievances and emphasizing perceived shortcomings in the organization’s effectiveness, Trump managed to divert attention back to his administration’s overarching critique of global governance practices. As the international community continues to navigate complex geopolitical issues, Trump’s remarks serve as both a reminder of his administration’s unconventional approach and the challenges faced by established international bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What happened with the escalator during Trump’s visit to the UNGA?
An escalator that President Trump was about to step onto unexpectedly halted. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt suggested it could have been an intentional act, but a UN official explained that a member of Trump’s team accidentally activated the stop mechanism.
Question: What was Trump’s original proposal for the UN renovation?
In 2005, President Trump proposed to manage the renovations of the UN headquarters but was denied. He alleged he could provide a more luxurious and cost-effective renovation than what the UN ultimately pursued.
Question: How did Trump’s speech address the UN’s effectiveness?
Trump criticized the UN for relying on “empty words” and failing to act on significant global issues like immigration and climate change, reinforcing his administration’s long-standing dissatisfaction with the organization.